Ocala City Council Meeting - Tuesday, Dec. 5

OCALA, Fla. (Nov. 30, 2023) - During the regularly scheduled Ocala City Council meeting occurring Tuesday, 4 p.m., three elected officials will be sworn in. Due to the anticipated larger-than-normal audience for this meeting, the City of Ocala is providing a variety of options for citizens to observe and/or participate in this public meeting:

• Attend the meeting in person
• View a live stream of the meeting via our website, www.ocalafl.gov
• Submit public comments in advance of the meeting

For guests wishing to attend in person, capacity limits are as follows: 117 guests in council chambers, 36 guests in the second-floor lobby, and 32 guests in the first-floor lobby. Additional covered seating will be set up outside in Citizens' Circle, where the meeting will be live-streamed. Four entrances to City Hall will be open and staffed with security to expedite the screening and entry process.

Access the live stream video of the meeting:

City Council meetings are accessible in real-time for virtual viewing:

• Go to the City of Ocala's website: www.ocalafl.gov
• On the main page, under the word, 'Government', a drop-down menu will appear
• Click on 'Agendas and Minutes' in the left column
• Participants will be directed to the meeting page, find the column marked City Council
• In the video column, select the hyperlink labeled 'In Progress' to see the current livestream

Submit public comments before the meeting:

For individuals unable to attend meetings in person, written comments can be submitted by emailing the City Clerk no later than 2 p.m. the day of the meeting at [email protected] or physically mailing to 110 SE Watula Ave, Ocala, FL 34471. All written comments received by the deadline will be distributed to the mayor, city council members and appropriate staff before the start of the meeting. Florida's Sunshine Laws require all comments submitted be entered into the public record.

Important reminders for in-person attendance:

• The city will accommodate all guests who wish to make public comments, subject to seating/space limitations.
• Public comments are limited to three minutes.Additional time may be granted by City Council President.
• Seating and standing room may be limited based on fire code regulations.
• Seating and standing room are available on a first-come, first-served basis until safe capacity is reached.
• Guests who wish to make public comment but are unable to enter the building once capacity is reached, will be allowed inside and in council chambers to speak once other guests have exited the building.City staff are assigned to the first and second floors to continually monitor the number of guests present and communicate when space frees up for additional guests to enter.
• Guests will enter City Hall through a security checkpoint to ensure all have a safe experience. All four entrances into City Hall will be open with additional security guards to assist in expediting the entry process.
• Any person requiring special accommodations should contact the City Manager's Office at 352-629-8401 at least 48 hours in advance so arrangements can be made.

Those who wish to make a public comment may obtain a speaker request form from the City Clerk's office at 352-629-8266 or [email protected]; or utilize their right to speak during regular public comment.

Residents are also encouraged to sign up for the City of Ocala e-notification system to receive information about public meetings, posting of agendas, announcements, events and newsletters.

For more information, please contact the City Manager's Office at 352-629-8401.

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